How to play C♯ Minor add 9 on guitar
These shapes are for standard tuning (E A D G B E). The first is the easiest, and the others sit in different positions on the neck. Playing in another tuning? Pick it above the diagrams and the shapes are redrawn for it.
Shape 1: x41120
- Lay your index finger flat across the 3rd to 4th strings at fret 1 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4.
- Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2.
- Let the 1st string ring open.
- Don't play the 6th string.
Shape 2: 9(11)(11)99(11) (from fret 9)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 6th strings at fret 9 (a barre).
- Press the 5th string (A) at fret 11.
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 11.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 11.
Shape 3: xx(11)99(11) (from fret 9)
- Lay your index finger flat across the 2nd to 3rd strings at fret 9 (a barre).
- Press the 4th string (D) at fret 11.
- Press the 1st string (e) at fret 11.
- Don't play the 6th, 5th strings.
The numbers in the shape name list the fret for each string from the lowest (thickest) to the highest, with x meaning that string is not played and 0 meaning it rings open.
Notes in C♯ Minor add 9
| Note | Role |
|---|---|
| C♯ | 1 (root) |
| E | ♭3 |
| G♯ | 5 |
| D♯ | 9 |
The formula for C♯ Minor add 9 (m(add9)) is 1 ♭3 5 9: take the root, then the scale degrees listed. In the D♭ spelling the notes are D♭ F♭ A♭ E♭.
When to use C♯m(add9)
Minor add9 chords are moody and spacious: a minor triad with the ninth on top and no seventh. They are a staple of ballads and modern pop.
Other C♯ chords
D♭, C♯m, D♭7, D♭maj7, C♯m7, D♭sus2, D♭sus4, C♯°, D♭+, D♭add9, D♭6, C♯ø7
Other minor add 9 chords on guitar
Cm(add9), Dm(add9), E♭m(add9), Em(add9), Fm(add9), F♯m(add9), Gm(add9), G♯m(add9), Am(add9), B♭m(add9), Bm(add9)
Frequently asked questions
How do you play C♯ Minor add 9 on guitar?
The easiest C♯m(add9) shape on guitar is x41120 (Lay your index finger flat across the 3rd to 4th strings at fret 1 (a barre). Press the 5th string (A) at fret 4. Press the 2nd string (B) at fret 2. Let the 1st string ring open. Don't play the 6th string.)
What notes are in C♯ Minor add 9?
C♯ Minor add 9 (C♯m(add9)) contains the notes C♯ E G♯ D♯. The formula is 1 ♭3 5 9.
Is C♯ the same as D♭?
Yes. C♯ and D♭ are two names for the same pitch, so C♯ Minor add 9 and D♭ Minor add 9 sound identical and use the same guitar shapes. Written as D♭m(add9) the notes are spelled D♭ F♭ A♭ E♭.
How many guitar shapes are there for C♯m(add9)?
There are many. This page shows 3 common ones at different positions, easiest first. Moving a barre shape up the neck gives the same chord type on other roots.
See C♯ Minor add 9 on ukulele, check its notes in the chord finder, or transpose a whole song with the chord transposer. Browse the full guitar chord library.